The Impact of Child Protective Service Training: A Longitudinal Study of Workers' Job Performance,Knowledge,and Attitudes

Abstract

A longitudinal study was conducted to evaluate the impact of an entry-level training program on caseworkers'performance, knowledge, and attitudes. The skill competencies of 152 trainees were compared to a random sample of 51 caseworkers who did not participate in such training. Pre- and post-training results of knowledge tests and attitudinal measures were analyzed. Improved skill levels were found within both training and nontraining groups across time. Trainees did better on knowledge tests, and their perceived knowledge levels were significantly higher after training. Significant improvements were found in trainees' perceptions of ethnic awareness and value of family preservation. The 3-month training with a field practice compo nent has been perceived as helpful m prepanng caseworkers for child protective service (CPS) tasks. Caseworkers'knowledge, skills, and attitudes improved after training, but there still is no statistical evidence to indicate that the trained workers performed better than the untrained ones. Entry-level training and on-the-job training are recommended.

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